Here is the place where, traditionally, the Angry Progressive Blogger takes a quick breath to say, "I mean, of course, intransigent Republican politicians; in no way does my statement apply to all Republicans."
But I'm not angry. This isn't a blistering screed occasioned by some momentary outrage. Nor is it directed solely at some Beltway buffoon of the opposing party.
Every day, we are inundated with reports of a "dysfunctional," "paralyzed" government unable to muster the dexterity to wipe its own administrative ass (i.e. pay bills, perform basic job functions, etc.). And a quick read of these reports leads to the inevitable conclusion that it's one group in government that is responsible. (Hint: it's the guys who are bragging about it).
One does not have to be particularly partisan to reach this conclusion. Read the polls. What's the Crisis du Jour? Fiscal Cliffs? Sequestrations? Debt Limits? Solid majorities, including Democrats, Republicans and Independents, blame one party for the grit in the gears.
So blatantly one-sided is the obstructionism and refusal to simply do the business of governance that even Beltway journalists, the most timid, lukewarm false equivalencers found in the political wild, are beginning to admit the sabots in the machine are of a single brand.
"But, of course, these are just a few bad apples in the marble barrel," assures the Angry Progressive Blogger.
But those gleeful nihilists didn't just show up there. They're not gutterpunk kids who found some empty office space and decided to squat. They were sent there, on purpose, by voters. Republican voters.
No, no, mew the appeasing optimists. It's not Republicans. It's gerrymandering.
True dat, but selective redistricting is only possible because there are enough cheerleaders of anarchy for clever demographers to draw a loopy line around. Cynical state legislators aren't the problem. Proud, ignorant, causeless rebels with vocabularies beginning with N and ending with O and tagged with big, red Rs are.
You are. You Republicans.
"But we just want smaller government," protest the accused. "We want to reduce spending and lower taxes. It's for the children!"
Well, the bullies and balrogs you've sent to Washington must have heard you wrong. They are determined to allow no spending, no taxation.
And no governance.
When I produce a record or manage a work crew, I am responsible for the result. I can't blame the piano player or fob off my failure on the wire pullers. I sent them there. I instructed them. They are my representatives. And their actions are, officially and in point of fact, my handiwork.
So, my dear Republicans--all--unless you are content with full credit for the utter failure of the United States government to, well, govern the United States, you have to fire your workers. You have to make the hard choice and let go the loyalties of years.
You have to stop voting Republican.
You will likely be unhappy with the resulting government. In fact, I guarantee it.
Pretty easy prediction, that. Nobody's ever happy with the government they elect (see Kos-comma-Daily).
But, more often than you'd expect, a majority of us are more satisfied than not.
Because, small or large, passive or dynamic, we do need some government, yes?
As it stands today, your party's representatives don't agree. So, for god's sake, stop voting for them.